Chinese minister confirms carbon tax is on its way

China's strategy for combating climate change will at some point include a tax on greenhouse gas emissions, according to the country's finance minister. Lou Jiwei told delegates at China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue last week that China would expand environmental taxes to include carbon "in due time", according to news agency Thomson Reuters Point Carbon . FURTHER READING Labour to challenge coal power capacity payments EU pledges to support China's climate efforts The annoucement follows the publication of a document earlier this year by the Ministry of Finance detailing a new tax regime designed to help protect the environment that includes CO2 and sewage charges. As part of its drive to curb emissions, China last month began a carbon trading pilot programme that will see seven zones launch compulsory cap and trade schemes. Starting last month with the southern cit...